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SCWSA Brings Home The Trophy For Best Tasting Water In South Carolina

BY: JASON FELL, SCWSA’S GENERAL MANAGER

On Sunday, March 11, 2019, one month after Saluda County Water and Sewer Authority’s (SCWSA’s) Water Treatment Plant (WTP) was placed into operation, it received the Best Tasting Water Award at the largest water utility conference in South Carolina. General Manager, Jason Fell, and WTP Superintendent, Rip Tafta, are seen in the photo hoisting the trophy. SCWSA was selected among seventeen (17) contestants, which included some of the largest and most prestigious water providers in South Carolina. Some may think this was luck. For a moment Rip and I were shocked and elated that we would be bringing the trophy back to Saluda County. After a few days of reflection, I believe the victory has a deeper significance. This award was the fruit of excellent design and hard work. It officially began on Friday, February 8, 2019, at 2 P.M, when SCWSA’s WTP was placed into operation. This was not a project that happens every day. This project was one that was nineteen (19) years in the making. The WTP sets the foundation to be able to serve all areas that are economically viable in Saluda County. It works in harmony with Saluda County Council’s vision for our County’s future. Further, SCWSA is now able to serve Saluda County and the Western Midlands of South Carolina. It all starts with the water you are given. SCWSA’s withdrawal point on Lake Murray provides a distinct advantage. SCWSA’s intake location is located on what is called the “run of the river”. There are three distinct advantages to SCWSA’s raw water intake. First, the intake is very deep, at the bottom of the flooded river bottom. Even at the Lake’s lowest drawdown level, the top of our intake would still be seven feet below the lake surface. Second, the intake as a slow constant velocity from the influence of the Saluda River. This provides a steady stream of water, eliminating stagnation. Finally, it is located on the upper end of Lake Murray, suppressing elevated levels of turbidity during rain events.

Two Saluda County Sex Offenders sent to Prison

During a term of court in Saluda County last week, two Sex Offenders in unrelated cases were sent to prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting minors. Charles Gable Isdell, II, age 38, was sentenced to twenty (20) years and Gustavo Rodriguez Diaz, age 40, was sentenced to fifteen (15) years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Circuit Court Judge Walton J. McLeod IV imposed these sentences on both offenders. Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard stated, “Our work to protect children in our community remains a primary focus. Our office will continue to hold child abusers responsible for their actions. The victims of these two offenders can continue healing knowing that their abusers are in prison.” Both of these cases were prosecuted by Assistant Solicitor Robby McNair of the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The Saluda County Sheriff’s Department began an investigation into Gustavo Rodriguez Diaz for sexual assaults on a minor in November of 2016 following an unrelated criminal investigation in which the minor victim was a witness. The minor victim was 9 years old at the time. During an interview, the child disclosed that Diaz had sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions. The Saluda County Sheriff’s Department began an investigation into Charles Gable Isdell, II, in June of 2017 after receiving a report of sexual assaults committed against two minor victims, who were both 14 years old at the time. Investigators were able to recover evidence on Isdell’s phone described by the victims that corroborated their accounts of what occurred. During the sentencing hearing, Lt. Josh Price expressed to the Court that the two minors continue to be traumatized by these events and still live in fear of Isdell. Isdell and Diaz were both transported to the South Carolina Department of Corrections to begin the immediate service of their prison sentences.

Fifty-Four Sentenced In Latest Court Term

The two week term of Saluda County General Sessions Court ended with no jury trials. Judge William Keesley handed down sentences on the following 54 guilty pleas: Anton Terrell Adams, assault and battery 1st degree, ten years, upon service of four years, suspended to five years probation. Charles Mon’Ta Adams, resisting arrest, one years, suspended to time served and three years probation. James Audie Adams, reckless driving, 30 months, suspended to time served and $200. Robert Michael Britt, domestic violence 2nd degree, three years, suspended to time served and three years probation. Jessica Moneek Butler, entering premises after warning, time served. Johnathan Lake Chastain, possession of meth, time served. Kristen Fields Coleman, possession of meth, Youthful Offender Act (YOA) not to exceed five years, suspended to time served and three years probation; burglary 3rd degree, YOA not to exceed five years, suspended to time served and three years probation. William Heraldo Diaz Cortez, assault and battery 1st degree, time served. Chaconia Nikia Culbreath, Jr., unlawful carrying of a pistol, one year, suspended to time served and 18 months probation; simple possession of marijuana, time served. Wilma A. Culler, shoplifting 3rd, four years, suspended to time served and five years probation. Gustavo Rodriguez Diaz, assault and battery 1st degree, five years; assault and battery 1st degree, ten years. Kasey Todd Dinkins, assault and battery 3rd degree, time served. Benjamin Arnold Stephen Dorn, burglary 3rd, five years, suspended to time served and three years probation; possession of meth, three years, suspended to time served and three years probation. Robert Rimeak Foulks, distribution of crack cocaine near a school, ten years. Cedric Lamont Franklin, assault and battery 3rd degree, time served. Ethan Besau Fulmer, larceny under $2000 (2 counts), 30 days, suspended to time served and one year probation. Robbie Lee Gantt, burglary 3rd, three years, suspended to time served and 30 months probation. Richard Allen Gentry Jr., possession of contraband in county jail, time served. Terrance Delano Gilchrist Jr., possession of a controlled substance, time served. Isela Delapaz Gonzalez, assault and battery 3rd degree, three years, suspended to time served and three years probation. Damian Michell Harris, possession of meth, time served. Stephen W. Hicks, forgery, 18 months, suspended to time served and three years probation. Daniel Tyler Huneycutt, larceny $2,000-$10,000, five years, upon service of two years, suspended to five years probation; burglary 2nd, ten years. Charles Gable Isdell, assault and battery 1st degree, ten years. Tyqona Nislek Jones, assault and battery 3rd degree, time served. Kenneth Lee Keenan, malicious injury to personal property (less than $2000), time served; grand larceny, more than $2000 less than $10,000, five years, upon service of 324 days times served, suspended to 30 months probation. Billy James Kelly, failure to stop for blue light, three years, suspended to time served and 15 months probation. Lisa Michelle Leopard, possession of a controlled substance, time served. Domenic Qwentex Loman, ill treatment of animals, time served. Patrick Jamal Lott, resisting arrest, nine months, suspended to seven days time served and 18 months probation. Harley Danielle Manning, disorderly conduct, time served. Daniel Eugene Maroney, burglary 3rd, five years, suspended to 104 days time served and 30 months probation. Clarence Jamar Mason III, hit and run, accident with great bodily damage, six years. Quintez DeAundre McField, assault and battery third degree, YOA not to exceed three years, suspended to three years probation. Amanda Louise Merrell, possession of a controlled substance, 30 months, suspended to time served. Jocoby Abraham Moon Jr., assault and battery 1st degree, ten years, upon service of three years, suspended to five years probation. Tanage Shiann Morris, attempted escape, one years, suspended to 128 days time served. Jahsiri Ahmad Abdul Moyeda, shoplifting $2000 or less, time served. William F. Norman Jr., simple possession of marijuana, 30 months, suspended to time served and $100. Cordarryl Demon Ouzts, assault and battery third degree, time served. Jennifer Marie Owens, failure to stop for a blue light, time served Seth McKenzie Partin, unlawful carrying of a pistol, six months, suspended to four days time served. Kodiva Anton Pixley, unlawful carrying of a pistol, time served. Jose Ariel Rivera Jr., burglary 3rd (non-violent), ten years. Jason Rogers, breach of trust, value $2000 or less, 30 days time served. Shannon Faye Senterfeit, possession of meth, three years, suspended to time served and 18 months; Burglary 3rd, three years, suspended to time served and 18 months. Christopher Kendall Shamble, DUI 1st, 30 months, three years, suspended to time served and $400. Ralph Lloyd Simms III, possessio of less than one ounce of meth or cocaine base 1st degree, 18 months, three years, suspended to time served and one year probation; possession of stolen vehicle, time served. Pelham Blake Stewart, use of vehicle without permission, one year, three years, suspended to 67 days time served and five years probation. Chakeya Brown Tolen, disorderly conduct, time served. Mark Anthony Turkett, reckless driving, 30 days or $200. Tridarin Devontay Weaver, swindling, $616.28. Tamera Lupo Wilson, dangerous animal violation, 15 days, suspended to time served and $200. Alisa Marie Wood, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, 60 days, suspended to time served and $200. Kendall Larma Yarbrough, failure to stop for a blue light, three years, upon service of six day, suspended to three years probation.

S.C. Association of Conservation Districts 2018 Legislator of The Year

Representative Cally “Cal” R. Forrest was awarded the South Carolina Association of Conservation Districts 2018 Legislator of The Year Award at the 78th Annual SCACD Partnership Conference on February 26, 2019. The Conference and Awards Reception and Dinner was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Columbia, S.C. Representative Forrest was nominated for this award by the Saluda Soil and Water Conservation District. He is a great supporter of conservation and has accomplished many great things for the District. Congratulations to Representative Forrest on your outstanding achievement and thank you for all you do for the Saluda Conservation District and for our state.Pictured in front: Cal Forrest. Pictured back from left to right are: SSWCD Commissioner’s Kevin Yon, Jason Price, James Nichols, Carey Frick, David Padgett, and Burton Campbell, Chaplain.

Repeat Drug Dealer Sentenced to

10 Years for Distribution of Narcotics

Robert Rimeak Foulks, age 35, pled guilty this week in Saluda County to Distribution of Crack Cocaine Within Proximity of a School and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. This charge is classified as a “serious offense” under South Carolina law. The sentence was handed down by Circuit Court Judge William P. Keesley. The case was prosecuted by Eleventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Doug Fender. The Saluda County Sherriff’s Office, in a combined investigation with the Town of Saluda Police Department, conducted numerous undercover narcotics purchases from Robert Foulks. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement discovered that Robert Foulks was selling crack cocaine in the town area of Saluda out of a residential apartment complex in close proximity to numerous playgrounds, athletic fields, and the GLEAMNS Saluda Head Start Center. Foulks had previously been convicted of Distribution of Crack Cocaine prior to this arrest. Lieutenant Josh Price of the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office remarked, “The Saluda County Sherriff’s Office is committed to stopping the sale of illegal drugs in Saluda County, especially in areas where children and young adults live, learn and play.” Foulks was transported to the S.C. Department of Corrections to begin immediate service of his sentence.

(Photo by Dan Guy, member of American Legion Post 65)

Saluda Teen Featured In Legion Auxilairy Blog

The following is an article from the American Legion Auxiliary Blog. This is their link. https://alaforveterans. wordpress.com/…/american-legion-aux…/

American Legion Auxiliary’s diverse membership hails from various community sizes, age groups Kindness doesn’t have to pick between a small town or the big city, between youth and senior adult years, or between an individual or a group. That’s one of the reasons the American Legion Auxiliary — the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization — appreciates and values all of our members. We know that generosity can come from a good-hearted person regardless of, for example, her zip code or age, or whether she stands alone. ALA member Rachel Porter is a shining example of this. Rachel is the only Junior member of Unit 65 in Saluda, S.C., and she didn’t let that fact deter her from showing kindness and care to numerous veterans in her small community. ALA Junior Rachel Porter of Unit 65 in Saluda, S.C., made more than 20 of these patriotic-patterned pillows for local veterans. Rachel, the only Junior in her unit, receives support from the adult members in Unit 65. “I realized that I had been a Junior member since the early 2000s, and that I could be a lot more active than I am. It’s not hard to go and sit down and talk to someone for a while, or take them a card. It really brightens their day. It didn’t matter that I am the only Junior member at our unit,” Rachel said. At age 17, Rachel decided she would make patriotic-patterned pillows for local veterans, most of whom live in the town’s nursing home. She wanted to visit and chat for a bit with each veteran to whom she gave a pillow. Rachel said she received solid support for the project from the unit’s adult members, several of whom helped her with some of the organizing. But Rachel made the pillows and the visits. In all, she gave a pillow to each of the 26 veterans at the nursing home and to two other veterans in her community who don’t live at that facility. “It was just great seeing, not what I did, but the impact that it had on them. They seemed to appreciate the pillows and the visits. I won’t forget the smiles on their faces. It was an honor for me to do something for our veterans,” said Rachel, who turned 18 last month. She said she intends to stay in the ALA as an adult member. Although Rachel is the only Junior at her unit, she is not really alone. As evidenced by their help with her patriotic pillow project, there are adult members in her unit who support and care about her. The feeling is mutual, Rachel said: “I love all of our members at our unit. They’re precious to me!” Rachel Porter is one of thousands of ALA members — women and girls from a variety of backgrounds, from all over the world — who unite under our common cause of honoring and helping our military heroes and their families; promoting patriotism; mentoring youth; and encouraging good citizenship in our communities. That is the ALA’s mission. We know that each Auxiliary member can help us fulfill that mission. It doesn’t matter if she is from a small town, a big city, a unit of a hundred members … or if she is the only Junior in her unit.

General Assembly Seeks Naming Bridge For Deputy Dale Hallman

The South Carolina General Asememby has requested the S.C. Department of Transportation name a bridge in Saluda County for fallen Deputy Sheriff Dale Hallman. Following is the resolution: TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE LOCATED ON HIGHWAY 39l IN SALUDA COUNTY OVER THE LITTLE SALUDA RIVER AT MILE MARKER 9.30 “CORPORAL DALE HALL-MAN MEMORIAL BRIDGE” AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION. Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly were deeply saddened to learn of the untimely and tragic death of CorporaI Dale Hallman on April 6. 2018 at the age of twenty- nine and wish to honor and remember his supreme sacrifice in the line of duty; and Whereas, Corporal Hall-man, who was a member of’ the Bloodhound Tracking Team, was called to the scene of a crime in order to pursue a suspect. He began responding to the scene with lights and sirens activated but crashed at a location on Pencreek Road. He later died of` his injuries; and Whereas, a deputy of high character. Corporal Hallman had been with the Saluda County Sheriff‘s Office for five years, and he loved what he did. A close friend to his fellow officers and hard worker, he will be remembered as an extraordinary deputy. He also served as a lieutenant with the county’s fire service; and Whereas, in 2016, Corporal Hallman was awarded the Medal of Valor for his outstanding service to Saluda County; and Whereas, Corporal Hall-man had recently gotten married and also had a baby on the way. He leaves behind his wife, unborn child, and two beloved stepsons. In addition, he is survived by his mother, father, and sister; and Whereas, it would be fitting and proper to pay tribute to the life, service, and courageous sacrifice of this son of South Carolina by naming a bridge in Saluda County in his honor. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring: That the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, request that the Department of Transportation name the bridge located on Highway 391 in Saluda County over the Little Saluda River at mile marker 9.30 “Corporal Dale Hallman Memorial Bridge” and erect appropriate markers or signs at this location containing the designation.

Garden Club Celebrates 65th Anniversary

The Green Thumb Garden Club of Ridge Spring celebrated their 65th Anniversary and were honored by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. They were presented a NGC Certificate of Merit by Donna Donnelly, President of The Garden Club of South Carolina on behalf of the National President, Nancy L. Hargroves. Mrs. Hargroves who resides in Manakin Sabot, Virginia signed the certificate. The Green Thumb Garden Club was formed in 1953 in the James Paul Murphey Home on Boatwright Street in Ridge Spring. Mrs. Mattie Lee Bonnette and Mrs. Ethel Connelly Murphey were members of The Ridge Garden Club and wished to form a new club for the younger ones in town. Two names were suggested by the 13 charter members and “The Green Thumb” won the vote. Betty Ann Cone, a charter member, served as the first President and is still active in the club today. She was awarded a Life Membership by the club in 2016. Shelby Jean Yonce is presently serving as President with Susan McGee Cathey serving as Co-President of the club. Mrs. Cathey is a second generation member following her mother, Pauline McGee. Converse Bomar Cone, Vice-President, is also a second generation member. The club was deeded the historic lmmanuel Lutheran Church at 206 Boatwright Street in Ridge Spring in 1986 which is located just a half a block from where the club was organized. Over the years the members have been busy restoring and maintaining the church and grounds as funds are available. Money is raised by their annual Christmas Tour of Homes and through donations. Presently, they are working to add a much needed restroom onto the back of the sanctuary, Other club projects include maintaining a By-Way Blue Star Marker on the church property, a Blue Star Memorial Marker on Highway #1, and a Healing Garden Dream Stop west of town. All members are certified as having Backyard Habitats. To celebrate their anniversary, the club attended The Camellia Tea of Edgefield at Magnolia Dale on February 14 where they enjoyed the spectacular display of camellias and the delicious refreshments! Each member purchased a copy of the newly released book, “Nothing Could Be Finer”, a history of the Camellia Tea of Edgefield, SC. They also toured the historic Oakley Park House in Edgefield where the above photo was taken.